Post Diagnostic Facet Block/ Medial Branch Block

You have just had a diagnostic facet block/medial branch block. The following is a list of guidelines to follow post procedure:

The facet block will last about 4 hours and will provide the doctor with important information about your diagnosis.

Resume your normal activities directly after your procedure. This will help us determine if the block has been helpful.

During the first 4 hours after your procedure, it is very important that you complete a pain diary and document your pain post injection. You will need to record the level of pain on a 0 to 10 scale and the location of your pain.

Please call the main office @ (302) 623-4144 the following day and leave a message on the doctor’s voice mail with the results of your pain diary. Make sure to leave your name and date of birth along with the information. Bring your pain diary with you when you come to your next follow up visit.

Typically your pain will return after the anesthetic “wears off”.

For a few hours after the procedure you may have numbness, dizziness, or weakness.

After the block wears off, apply ice to your injection site to relieve and discomfort.

Post IDET Instructions

After the procedure begin immediate use of the Ortho-Lign brace. This brace needs to be obtained prior to IDET procedure.

You will be asked to visit a physical therapist once before your procedure and once or twice after your IDET procedure for instruction on body mechanics and restrictions post procedure.

For 2 weeks after the procedure, follow strict guidelines of No Bending or Sitting greater than 15 minutes.

After 2 weeks, you may begin a gentle stretching program which will be reviewed with you by your physician and physical therapist.

Schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor for 2 weeks after the IDET.

For 6-8 weeks after the IDET procedure, do not bend, lift or sit for longer than 30 minutes.

The brace will need to be worn for 6-8 weeks after the procedure.

8 weeks after the IDET procedure you may begin a formal therapy program.

You will have considerable discomfort after the IDET procedure. You will probably begin to feel better within 4 weeks of the IDET procedure.

Significant improvement should be noted 2-4 months after the IDET procedure.

SpineCATH IDET therapy is a minimally invasive treatment in which the physician applies controlled levels of thermal energy to a broad section of the affected disc wall. This treatment is effective when there are cracks or fissures in the wall of the intervertebral disc. For more information, please click here to review the Oratec website.